Horse afraid of thunder: how to help them

How do you recognise storm anxiety in a horse?

Not every horse reacts the same way. Some horses start snorting and pacing as soon as the sky darkens, while others only panic at the first crack of thunder. Common signs include: sweat patches on the flanks and neck, a high-held head, wide-open eyes with visible whites, stamping or spinning in the stable. Excitable horses may also try to escape from their stall or damage fixtures. Watch for subtle signs too, such as rapid breathing or refusing feed — these are early warning signals. By logging these reactions in your horse's EquiSight horse profile, you gain insight into patterns and can better predict when intervention is needed.

Outside or in the stable during a thunderstorm?

The most frequently asked question: do you bring your horse inside or leave them out? Outside, horses risk standing near tall trees, which is dangerous during lightning. In the stable, the majority of horses feel safer, especially in a familiar stall with enough space — a minimum of 3.5 by 3.5 metres for a warmblood. Make sure the stable is properly earthed and that there are no protruding loose metal parts. Do not leave your horse tied up during a storm; a horse that panics while tied can sustain serious injuries.

Immediate measures during a thunderstorm

• Bring your horse inside in good time, ideally before the storm has started
• Put out a hay net: chewing has a proven calming effect
• Place calm stable companions in adjacent stalls — social proximity is reassuring
• Avoid displaying rushed or anxious behaviour yourself; horses mirror your stress
• If necessary, use a proven calming supplement — consult your vet about the correct dosage
• Do not add extra rugs if your horse is sweating; this increases feelings of stress

Desensitisation: getting your horse used to loud noises

In the long term, desensitisation is the most effective approach. This involves gradually exposing your horse to audio recordings of thunderstorms, starting at a low volume — around 40 decibels — while the horse is quietly eating or being groomed. Increase the volume slowly over several weeks. Combine this with positive reinforcement: reward calm behaviour immediately with a treat or a stroke. Three to five short sessions of ten minutes per week are more effective than long, irregular practice sessions. Record your progress and your horse's reactions in EquiSight so you can see exactly when they have reached a threshold and when you can pick up the pace.

When should you call in a professional?

If your horse panics during every thunderstorm, injures itself, or already becomes nervous at the first gust of wind, it is wise to consult a behaviour specialist or vet. A vet can discuss temporary medication for extreme cases, while an equine behaviour therapist can help with a structured desensitisation programme. On average, such a programme takes four to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Use the calendar in EquiSight to keep track of appointments and practice sessions, so you never miss a session and maintain consistency.

Preparation: what to arrange before the storm season

• Check the earthing of your stable before May, when the storm season begins
• Discuss with your vet whether a calming supplement or product is suitable for your horse
• Start sound desensitisation as early as April, so your horse is accustomed to it before summer
• Save your vet's emergency contact details in your EquiSight horse profile
• Make sure stalls and fencing have no protrusions or loose parts that could cause injury during a panic